IDC’s latest quarterly outlook claims Apple’s Mac line posted the weakest growth among PC makers between Q4 2024 and Q4 2025, a 0.2 % rise. Analysts warn the figure lacks context because Apple stopped reporting unit shipments seven years ago, forcing firms like IDC to rely on sampling and shipment estimates. In the 2024 holiday season Apple introduced a MacBook Pro equipped with M4 Max and M4 Pro chips, while the 2025 quarter saw only a base‑model M5 version.

Because Apple’s high‑end Pro and Max models drive most volume and margin, the absence of a premium refresh likely dampened growth, even as total shipments barely eclipsed the prior year. Critics argue that comparing raw shipment numbers without accounting for product mix paints an incomplete picture, especially as rivals boost sales with lower‑priced hardware. Tim Cook has repeatedly cautioned investors against over‑reliance on third‑party estimates. With earnings due on Jan 29 2026, market watchers will see whether the modest shipment gain translates into the company’s strongest quarterly profit yet.